OUR OPINION: Gov. Patrick should release transportation funds

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

Writer

Posted Aug. 3, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 3, 2013 at 3:10 AM

Posted Aug. 3, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 3, 2013 at 3:10 AM

QUINCY

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It seems that Governor Deval Patrick and his Democratic colleagues in the Legislature have been at odds over the years on a wide range of issues, but the gloves were off this week when the governor failed to release the full $300 million in Chapter 90 funding passed unanimously in the House and Senate. So far, he’s agreed to send cities and towns only $200 million to repair roads and bridges.

Though they’ve been battling throughout the budget negotiations over this issue, with vetoes, overrides and parrying press releases, it seems the Legislature has lost the war. It can allocate the transportation funds, but only Patrick decides how much is released.

Those bored at the mere mention of Chapter 90 funds, may not know how those dollars are used. If you’ve ever called your city or town hall to complain about pot holes that shredded your tire or debris from a crumbling bridge shattering your windshield, this is about you.

The Legislature allocates money each year to Chapter 90 funds and last year it increased the budget to $200 million, which was welcomed by cities and towns. But it wasn’t enough to both maintain and repair existing roads, and develop new projects. Part of the reason is that funds have been scarce for a while and partly because of the nature of the funding mechanism.

Year-to-year budgeting for construction projects, filled with uncertainty until sometime in July, doesn’t allow municipalities to set plans, lock in contracts, and certainly doesn’t allow for money-saving multi-year contracts. We urge the Legislature to explore a multi-year funding mechanism.

This kind of commitment to the long-term well-being of Chapter 90 funds Braintree Mayor Joseph Sullivan (who is also the Massachusetts Mayors Association president) believes will create safer roadways and jobs. He and other leaders of cities and towns are working with the state to create that multi-year funding mechanism. For now, he says he appreciates that the Chapter 90 funds were level funded, but as someone who answers the phone when residents call to complain about a pot hole, he recognizes that more will improve both his town’s transportation infrastructure and the overall economy.

“If your expenditure for every city and town grows, you’re going to generate economic activity that results in jobs and better roads,” said Sullivan. “It has a multiplier effect.”

As diplomatic as Sullivan is on the issue, Senate President Therese Murray (D- Plymouth) was forthright.

“I am extremely disappointed with the Governor’s decision to withhold a portion of the Chapter 90 funds ... By providing our communities with this increase in resources, we are supporting necessary infrastructure investments, improving the economy and putting people back to work.”

We agree. Holding necessary funds hostage when the Legislature unanimously appropriated them, local communities rely on them and releasing them would help the health of the state’s economy isn’t fair. We urge Gov. Patrick to release the balance immediately.